Understanding the Constitutional Era

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Constitutional Era

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Period when the U.S. Constitution was written and ratified (1787-1791)

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Articles of Confederation

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First U.S. government framework, replaced by the Constitution

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Constitutional Convention

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1787 meeting in Philadelphia to draft the U.S. Constitution

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Great Compromise

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Agreement for a two-house Congress: Senate and House of Representatives

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Three-Fifths Compromise

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Counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation

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Federalists

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Supported a strong central government and the Constitution

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Anti-Federalists

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Opposed the Constitution, favored states' rights

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Bill of Rights

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First 10 amendments to the Constitution, ensuring individual freedoms

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Ratification

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Formal approval process of the Constitution by the states

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Separation of Powers

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Division of government into three branches: Executive, Legislative, Judicial